New tours, old cures

A demonstration of acupuncture during a tour.

Day One

At the international department of the Dongzhimen Hospital, visitors can learn about the history and philosophy of TCM through exhibitions, and also undergo a full physical examination conducted by TCM doctors who will offer suggestions on balancing the yin and yang of the internal organs to help prevent chronic diseases.

Visitors can also experience tuina, which is believed to improve the flow of blood and energy through the body.

As the visitor lies face down on a bed, a TCM expert will knead, press, and roll their backs and arms. If the guest experiences pain, it's a signal that the energy flow is impeded or blocked in some part of the body and the pathway needs to be cleared.

The hospital is about 3 kilometers from the Forbidden City, the palace used during the Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 - 1911) Dynasties.

The complex - comprising 720,000 square meters of courtyards, gardens, pavilions and halls, and about 10,000 rooms - is now open to the public under the name of The Palace Museum, and provides visitors with the opportunity to view the magnificent architecture and its artistic treasures, and listen to legends about the ancient royal families.

A relatively superficial tour of the palace takes at least three hours, but that time scale will need to be expanded if visitors want to make a closer examination. English-language electronic guides are available.